The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Christ in Exodus Lesson 3: Moses at the Burning Bush

Oh my!  Take off your shoes, for you will enter holy ground with this study!  You will likely also learn a whole lot more about Moses than you knew before . . . better than that, however, will be what you learn about the One Who spoke from the midst of the burning, yet unconsumed bush!

Christ in Exodus Lesson 2: The Preparation of Moses

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You have heard the account of young Moses - Pharaoh's infanticide decree for all Hebrew infants to be thrown into the crocodile-infested Nile River, the providential arrival of Pharaoh's own daughter to draw young Moses from that river to raise him as her own, etc., but this presentation will bring the story to life more than any Bible picture book!  

This study of the Living Word Ministry is one of Katherine's favorite!  There is much more in the Book of Exodus than "the surface" story.  There are deep, rich, exciting pictures of Christ throughout the book.   We think you will be amazed what you learn!

 

Christ in Exodus Lesson 1: Israel’s Labor Pains {God Prepares Israel for Deliverance!}

First lesson from our study on finding the pre-incarnate Lord Jesus in the great second book of the Pentateuch - and He is (as in Genesis) present throughout Exodus!  This first lesson is full of exciting history about how God prepared Israel for her deliverance from bondage in Egypt.

 

Christ in Exodus: Jet Tour of Genesis

In preparing for our study of "Christ in Exodus," we present a jet tour through the Book of Genesis.  Hold onto your hat!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 21: Life of Joseph {Forgetting and Fruitful Years} - Part V

This is one lesson you do not want to miss!  Joseph, in immense emotion, revealed himself to his brothers, and it is one of the most precious, Kleenex-on-hand episodes in Scripture!  Not only is there the beautiful scene of Joseph's Christlike forgiveness of the very brothers who threw him in a pit after stripping him of his robe and selling him for pieces of silver (sound familiar), but there is the heart wrenching, tearful reunion with his younger brother Benjamin and the even more emotional scene when he is reunited with his father Jacob (Israel), who thought his dearly beloved son was long dead!

This lesson includes the amazing death-bed prophecies Jacob proclaimed to his 12 sons, the most critical of which is the prophecy to Judah, for it concerned the coming Messiah, called "Shiloh" ("He to Whom the scepter belongs").  

Find out five ways in which Judah served as a type of Christ, and 9 more ways (a total of 82) Joseph was an extraordinary prophetic-type of the Lord Jesus.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 20: Life of Joseph {Forgetting and Fruitful Years} - Part IV

One day, in the divinely planned parallel to the marvelous true story of Joseph's emotional reunion with his brothers, there will be another scene like it - except infinitely more wonderful and emotional.  That coming scene will involve the Fulfiller of all Joseph typified, the spiritual Saviour of Israel and the world, the Source of the True Bread of Life; the One Who went the great distance to call His wandering brothers back to the Father!  Although despised, envied, mocked, sold for mere pieces of silver, stripped of His robe, and thrown into a pit of death by His own, the Lord Jesus (like Joseph) will reveal His identity at His Second Coming.  At last, Israel will repent, bow before Him, and there will be reconciliation and forgiveness between Christ and His brethren, the Jews!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 19: The Life of Joseph {Forgetting and Fruitful Years} - Part III

The life of Joseph expands over 14 chapters of the first book of Scripture, which means God must have serious reasons for devoting so much space and detail to one man's life.  He does, and one reason is to highlight divine providence, which is abundantly manifested in Joseph's life, from beginning to end.  Another purpose is God's use of Joseph as a prophetic type of the Lord Jesus and His two advents.  Joseph's early years of "toil and affliction" picture the sufferings and rejection of Christ at His First Coming.  Joseph's later years of "forgetting and fruitfulness" (which we begin to look at in this lesson) picture the exaltation and glory of Christ at His Second Coming.

One thing we learn from Joseph (among so many) is that a key word for a believer in the midst of suffering is not escape, but endurance!  Timing is in the hands of Almighty God!  It was the Lord Who predetermined and orchestrated both the day Joseph's brothers cast him in a pit and the day the butler finally remembered him, and he went straight from the prison to the palace!  

Remember, joy cometh in the morning!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 18: Life of Joseph {Toil and Affliction Years} - Part II

This is the account of Joseph's years in Potiphar's house and, then, because of a false accusation by the flirtatious Mrs. Potiphar, his years in prison (and his acquaintance with a butler and baker).  For no fault of his own, Joseph lost everything he worked so hard to gain all those years by his conscientious stewardship, dedicated service, and loyalty to his boss, Potiphar. Yet, we never hear a word of complaint from his lips. The same is true of his time in prison, as well as his extended time in prison because the butler's apathy to remember him!

Unknown to Joseph, God's providential hand was working everything together for good for Joseph.  He was developing and maturing him for the very important task ahead when he would serve as the highest official in the land of Egypt under Pharaoh.  In that royal position, Joseph would be used of God to save his family and Egypt (picture of the world) from perishing by providing them with "the Bread of Life"!  Thirteen more (out of 82) ways Joseph pictured Jesus are presented!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 17: The Life of Joseph {Toil and Affliction Years} - Part I

Joseph is the first God-chosen deliverer of His people (also Moses, Joshua, some judges and prophets) to serve as a prophetic type of the Great Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Joseph's life pattern was that of Christ's: rejection before reigning; suffering before splendor; gloom before glory; humiliation before honor; the lowest pit before the highest pinnacle!  This is the first of 5 lessons on Joseph's dramatic life in which we discuss 82 ways He pictured Jesus!  Joseph just may become one of your favorite Bible characters after you hear these messages (if he isn't already)!

For one of the greatest Bible examples on FORGIVENESS (other than Christ), you must look closely at the life of the amazing Joseph.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 16: Jacob’s Surrender {Christ, Conflict, and Clinging}

This lesson is about Jacob's wrestling match with the preincarnate Christ at the Jabbok River.  From the womb, Jacob had wrestled with those around him.  He grabbed Esau's heel as they were emerging from their mother's womb; he grabbed both the firstborn birthright and firstborn blessing (though he was the second-born), even deceiving his father to gain the blessing.  After a two-decade struggle with his conniving Uncle Laban, Jacob still tended to rely more on "self" than on the Lord.  What he had really been doing, all along, was wrestling his own sin nature!  However, he met his match when Jesus became his wrestling Opponent.  The match was initiated by the Lord.  Why?  To bring Jacob to the end of his self-reliance (something we all struggle with).  Jacob needed to surrender!  When he did, his walk with God and others was never the same again (he limped), as he went from being Jacob the deceiver to Israel, the prince of God!  

Christ in Genesis Lesson 15: Jacob Gets Old Laban’s Goat

The humorous subtitle for this lesson is "Jacob Gets Old Laban's Goat," and when you read the end of Genesis 30, you will understand.  Jacob finally out-maneuvered his Uncle Laban, who had certainly tricked and deceived his double son-in-law (yes, I said that right) on numerous, far more serious matters (i.e. switching brides on him; wageless service for 14 years).  This lesson is about both the "wrestling match" between Jacob and Laban and the "wrestling match" between two sisters, Leah and Rachel (whose on-going competition for Jacob's attention finally ended on a good note). 

A very interesting truth to discover in this lesson is how the burdens, strivings, jealousies, desires, joys, and praises of Jacob's wives and concubines . . . expressed in the names they gave their sons . . .  "spell out" (in their Hebrew meanings) a prophetic message concerning God's plan of salvation through His Redeemer, Christ!  ONLY the all-knowing, all-powerful, infinitely wise Eternal God could reveal such a profound message 2,000 years before the Gospel was accomplished by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus!  Absolutely amazing.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 14: The Ladder Lord {Jacob’s Dream}

Although Jacob did not understand the full significance of his "Ladder Dream," he knew the main message: there is divine provision for access to Heaven!  The prophetic picture of Jacob's ladder dream is that there is a way (just one ladder) to Heaven.  It is so interesting to find that the Identity of Jacob's Ladder was "unveiled" centuries later by none other than the incarnate Ladder-Lord Himself.  In fact, it was one of the first Old Testament types of Himself He revealed in earthly ministry!  And guess what? He revealed it to a descendant of Jacob in whom there was no deceptive nature ("guile")!  His name?  Nathanael.  Everything in Scripture is inter-connected.  

Christ in Genesis Lesson 13: The First Shall Be Last

The struggle between the twin sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob, continues to this day with their descendants!  It is fascinating to find how history helps us understand the present!  There are a number of critical lessons to be learned through this long ago account of sibling rivalry. 

One thing to note is that the Lord called the babies in Rebekah's womb "people" and knew about their character traits! 

 

Christ in Genesis Lesson 12: The Divine Matchmaker {Great Love Story}

This lesson centers on the account of a father (Abraham) giving his trusted servant (Eliezer, whose name means "God's Helper" or "Comforter") the critical mission of finding a bride (Rebekah) for his son (Isaac)!  This love story of a marriage made in Heaven is beautiful, but it is "deeper and wider" than just the surface level account of how Isaac met Rebekah!  In fact, that love story is so typologically and theologically deep, it takes the 27 books of the New Testament to map it all out!  You will not be disappointed if you take the time to hear this account in light of all its significance concerning God the Father sending the Holy Spirit to call out a Bride (the Church) for His Son. 

Christ in Genesis Lesson 11: Amazing! The Gospel at Moriah

Abraham's almost sacrifice of Isaac in the land of Moriah (which means "Clear Vision") is the "mountain peak" of prophetic person-types of the redemptive work (the actual Sacrifice) of God's only begotten Son, which also occurred in the land of Moriah!  If you want to be genuinely confident about the Truth of Scripture, listen to this study on "The Gospel of Moriah," and think about the amazing prophetic truth spoken by Abraham when asked by Isaac, "... where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"  He said, "My SON, God will provide HIMSELF a Lamb" (Genesis 22:8)!  If you like Old Testament typology - WHICH YOU SHOULD and WHICH YOU SHOULD TEACH TO OTHERS - you will love this study!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 10: Laughter At Last!

The title for this lesson comes from the Hebrew meaning of the name Isaac - "laughter".  It was a time of laughter when the "miracle boy" was conceived in the womb of a barren and post-menopausal woman.  His birth foreshadowed the even greater miracle conception of Christ (born of a virgin).  In this presentation, we discuss the life-transforming experience of Hagar (Egyptian handmaid of Sarah) when she met the pre-incarnate Christ at a wilderness well.   We also discuss the contextual circumstances of God's first use of His name, "El Shaddai".  Then, there is the young lad, Ishmael (son of Abraham's relationship with Hagar), who mocked and persecuted his younger half-brother Isaac.  What happened with him?  Why are Ishmael's descendants not included in the Abrahamic Covenant?  What does this mean about the land of Israel today and to whom it rightfully belongs (per God's decree)?

Christ in Genesis Lesson 9: Ten-King War and Mysterious Melchizedek

This  lesson concerns the first written account of war in NOT JUST the Bible, but in all ancient literature!  Interestingly, this first recorded war in history involved an attack on five kings of the Dead Sea area of ancient Canaan (Israel) by a coalition of four kings from territories that, to this day, remain hostile to Israel!  The invading kings were led by a man from Elam (part of modern-day Iraq).  He was called the "Ravager of the West".  85-year old Abraham was the hero of this story!  (This war prophetically pictures mankind's last war called "The Battle of Armeggedon," which will be an all-out attack to annihilate Israel by another "Ravager" (the Antichrist). 

In Genesis 14, a tenth, very mysterious king suddenly appeared on the scene!  His name, Melchizedek means "King of Righteousness".  He was a Priest of the Most High God, and King of Salem or "King of Peace"!!  He is definitely a prophetic type of the Lord Jesus (and some even think he was the preincarnate Christ - an interesting debate discussed in this lesson).  Our Great High Priest Christ, Who is also the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace, will likewise appear out of seemingly no where at His Second Coming to save Abraham's descendants (through Isaac) from extinction!  There is SO MUCH TYPOLOGY in this lesson!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 8: Abram and the Critical Covenant {One that Affects Every Nation Yet Today}

It would be difficult to imagine the resurrected Lord not mentioning Abraham or the covenant God made with him in His "Unrecorded Emmaus Road Sermon".  He very likely taught His two despondent disciples how the promises, blessings, and fulfillment of that covenant center on Himself (although His identity was not yet revealed to the two).  The Lord's initial call to Abram of Ur of the Chaldees (a Gentile!) was analogous in importance to the divine summons to Moses at the burning bush and to Saul on the Damascus Road.  It was a call of grace for the entire world, for the message of salvation is at the heart of that unconditional covenant, and the world's Saviour (and written Word of God) was to come from Abraham's loins!

For a solid understanding of the Abrahamic Covenant, this is a "must listen" message. 

Christ in Genesis Lesson 7: A Tyrant and A Tower [Nimrod, A Picture of Antichrist]

Babel was the first "global" attempt to elevate man to God's level by way of the religion of self-effort.  It was the first experiment of man to have a world government and a one-world religion.  Disobeying God's way of salvation, which was to believe on His Promised Saviour, the Seed of the woman of Genesis 3:15, the Tyrant Nimrod (a picture type of the future Antichrist) introduced the world to Cain's alternate "works' approach" to Heaven and even replaced God as the Object of worship and Source of salvation.  Babel was only the beginning of things men would try to do in their effort to replace God.  All false religions and cults find their origin in Babel, which is MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT of the end-times.

Where did the nations and languages of this world originate?  Although profoundly ridiculed by Bible critics for centuries, the truth of "The Table of Nations" in Genesis chapter 10 (the 70 nation groups which resulted from the divine dispersion of families from Babel) has been abundantly supported by findings in anthropology, archeology, and linguistic studies on the origins of languages.  You can trust Scripture 100%.  Good TRUE history lesson all young people should be taught!  They would have a much better understanding of life if they knew the early chapters of Genesis.  Amen.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 6: Christ-Centered ARKiology

Learn truths about the Noahic Flood and the Ark you likely never knew before!  Not only do we mention 15 ways Noah served as a prophetic type of Christ, but we include 16 ways the Ark was a also a picture of Him! 

Did you know the Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat on the very day Christ, centuries later, would resurrect from "the waters of death"?  Did you know the Gospel message is hidden in the Hebrew meaning of the first 10 men of Christ's lineage (Adam to Noah)?

Don't miss the boat!  Hear this message and tell others to listen to Christ-centered ARKiology!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 5: A More Excellent Sacrifice {Why Abel’s Sacrifice, Not Cain’s, Pleased God}

Why did God accept Abel's sacrifice and not Cain's?  This lesson explains, and it is vital to understand the answer!  Cain's problem is the problem of religious people all over the world who attempt to approach God "the way of Cain" (Jude 11), which is by their own works (fruit).  What made Abel's offering "a more excellent sacrifice"?  It pointed to Christ.

Isn't it interesting that Cain, who was too "dignified" to offer a blood sacrifice, quickly and angrily shed the blood of his own brother? Cain's life should be a strong lesson about the danger in trusting human "reason" rather than divine revelation; of continuing in human willfulness opposed to divine will; of human pride versus Christlike humility; of sinking to hatred rather than rising to love; of presenting fleshly excuses instead of seeking divine grace.  Wrong choices end in human loneliness instead of enjoying divine fellowship.  To be without God is the worst thing in this life, but it is worse in the life to come.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 4: The Gospel Seed {First Proclamation of Christ’s Birth!}

God's first proclamation of the Gospel message is recorded in Genesis 3:15, called by theologians, "The Protoevangelium".  It is a foundational matter to understand this amazing prophecy about a coming Saviour Who would defeat Satan.  That Promised Victor would be born of a woman's "Seed," and since women do not have "seed," this was a long ago "clue" as to Christ's virgin conception! 

The two despondent Emmaus Road disciples were upset because the One in Whom they had placed their faith and hope was gone.  He had been horrifically crucified.  Their despair was their own fault for not having correctly understood "The Gospel Seed" message of Genesis 3:15.  They should have known the Messiah/Saviour would indeed first suffer Satan's crushing, but not permanently fatal, blow before coming into His glory! 

This is a critical message for Christians and for non-Christians!  Everything in Scripture stems from and circles back to the divine declaration of Genesis 3:15.

 

Christ in Genesis Lesson 3: Christ in Adam

Have you ever thought about the fact that although God created man sinless and innocent, he was not righteous?  That may sound strange, but think it through.  Righteousness is innocence maintained in the presence of temptation!  Adam failed to maintain his innocence in the face of indirect temptation (he was not directly tempted by Satan; Eve was Adam's temptation - Eve herself, not the fruit in her hand).  The Last Adam, the Lord Jesus, fully resisted all Satan's direct temptations. totally maintaining His sinlessness, even in a human body.  He proved His eternal, divine righteousness, as well.  Although that is a major difference between the two Adams, this lesson also presents some interesting ways in which Adam was a "type" of Christ.  There are many fascinating comparisons between the Edenic Tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the Calvary "Tree" (the cross) presented in this lesson, as well. 

This is a deep study, presented in clear, understandable terms.  It is foundational for a proper understanding of why God allowed evil into His perfect creation.  Knowing beginnings is vital to understand the present and to prepare rightly for the future.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 2: Christ in Creation {Discover Mysterious Alephs & Tavs!)

"WOW!" is what the response has repeatedly been to those who listen to this very first lesson on finding Christ in the Old Testament, beginning with the Creation account!  Learn about the abundant "tri-une" evidence of the Tri-une Godhead throughout His creation!  Enlighten yourself about fascinating subjects the majority of Christians have never heard about:  the Jewish Targums, the "Memra," and the hidden "aleph's" and "tav's" in the Scripture!  Evidence to refute evolution?  This is it.

YOU NEED TO SHARE THIS MESSAGE, ESPECIALLY WITH THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW THE SAVIOUR!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 1: Christology and the Emmaus Road Sermon

This is the introductory lesson for an in-depth study of Old Testament Christology  (finding Christ in the Old Testament).  The "springboard" for this study comes from the Lord's unrecorded teaching in "The Emmaus Road Sermon".  To two disheartened disciples, returning from Jerusalem to their former, pre-Jesus lives, the "incognito" resurrected Lord cheered them up to the point of "spiritual heartburn" (Luke 24:32) by teaching why "the Christ" HAD to suffer (and die) before entering into His glory.  ". . . Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (24:26, 27).  

This is a superb one-hour "lesson" emphasizing the truth that Scripture is a divinely-inspired cohesive whole, with Christ and His redemptive work on the cross its central theme.  The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; the New Testament is the Old revealed.  Amen.  Learn about TYPOLOGY in this and the lessons to follow in this spiritual heartburn study, "CHRIST in GENESIS".

 

Life of Christ Lesson 182: Responses to Christ’s Death {It is Finished XII}

After the Lord Jesus commended His spirit into His Father's hands, there was immediately a series of four responses.  There was God's response by way of three miraculous phenomena: (1) the Temple Veil Tore from top to bottom (SO MUCH SIGNIFICANCE), (2) the earth quaked (HEAVEN'S "AMEN" TO CHRIST'S FINISHED WORK), and (3) certain select graves were opened (FOR THOSE INSIDE TO COME FORTH, LIKE LAZARUS, ON RESURRECTION SUNDAY AFTER CHRIST AROSE).  These were amazing miracles to testify of the magnitude of what had just been completed  by Christ on the cross - redemption for sin!!!

Did you realize there were SEVEN CALVARY-related MIRACLES?  Can you name them?

Also discussed in this lesson are three more reactions; human reactions:  (1) a Roman centurion expresses belief in Jesus as "the Son of God" (the penitent thief, a Jew, and the centurion, a Gentile, were cross-work "fruit" and witnesses of Christ's saving power); (2) the watching multitude were full of fear over all they witnessed.  In fact, they beat their breasts, which was a sign of fear and conviction of sin (good sign).  (3) The third human response came from the group of faithful women disciples of Christ who had remained at the crucifixion site (although "afar off") throughout His Passion.  They were confused and, needless to say, in deep grief.  ALL WOULD CHANGE FOR THEM (and for US) in just a few more days!  Halleluiah!

This study in written form is found in our "Caldwell Commentary" series - "Life of Christ Vol. 8" (available through www.scripturetruth.com).

Life of Christ Lesson 181b: The Victor’s Death {It is Finished Part XI}

In the first part of this lesson (see Lesson #181a), we discussed "The Victor's Declaration" (John 19:30a); we conclude with this lesson on "The Victor's Death".  Included in this great, great study is a look at Christ's final (of seven) cross saying, which, as the first saying, was a prayer.  It was significant, not only because it was His last word before He died, but because His use of the term, "Father," tells us He was back in communion/fellowship with His heavenly Father!  The "cup" He had been given to drink was fully drained; the storm of God's wrath upon the sins of the world was spent.  All was calm.  The darkness lifted.  The Lord quoted one more verse of Scripture (Psalm 31:5) when He said in a loud voice, "Father, into Thine hand I commit My spirit".  He had willingly delivered His body into the hands of His enemies; He now voluntarily delivered His spirit into the hands of His Father.

Discover a number of evidences that NOBODY TOOK CHRIST'S LIFE; HE LAID IT DOWN HIS OWN WAY and ON HIS OWN TIME SCHEDULE (which was exactly the time of day when the Passover lambs were be slain - 3:00 p.m.).  Much "meat" for the spiritually hungry in this two-part study!

This lesson is given in written form in "The Caldwell Commentary" book entitled "The Life of Christ Vol. 8 (available through www.scripturetruth.com).

 

 

Life of Christ Lesson 181a: The Victor’s Declaration {It is Finished X} GREAT AFTER EASTER MESSAGE!!

For a number of lessons prior to this one, we have been looking at the apparent "tragedy" of Calvary, but, with this lesson, we turn to the reality of the situation:  it was a victorious triumph!  To the unbelieving world, it seems as though Jesus of Nazareth was the victim of a cruel, but unplanned (by Him) crucifixion.  The truth is so very different.  Jesus (the Saviour promised the world since Genesis 3:15) was both the Designer and Orchestrater of the entire out-working of events and circumstances that led to Calvary!  Everything that took place before, during, and after Calvary was accomplished in absolute accordance with and submission to His Father's will - for His glory and for mankind's good.  It was also all prophesied by God, through multiple Old Testament prophets, and was fulfilled to every tiny detail.  Calvary was anything but unplanned!

Learn all about the Victor's declaration, "It is Finished!"  He did not say, "I am finished," for the fact is it was just the beginning of many new things for Him and for those who put their faith in Him!  "Tetelestai" (the Greek word for "It is finished") was not the tragic cry of a victim at all.  It was the triumphant shout of a Victor!!!  It was the declarative statement of the Eternal Son of God to the entire universe that the redemptive work He came to do on earth for man was accomplished!  This means there is not a thing you or I can DO to "help" Jesus "get us saved".  The only thing needful is for a person to rest, by faith, in the completed, accomplished, totally performed and "done deal" work of Christ.  IT IS FINISHED!  Alleluia; Amen!

The entire Gospel of Christ is essentially wrapped up in that one powerful Greek word, "Tetelestai," my favorite word in the Bible, other than the name above every name, Jesus!

This lesson (with Homework Questions) is found in written form in "The Caldwell Commentary" series "Life of Christ Vol. 8 (available through www.scripturetruth.com). 

Life of Christ Lesson 180: The Ninth Hour Thirst {It is Finished IX}

"The Ninth Hour Thirst" - Matthew 27:47-49; Mark 15:35, 36; John 19:28, 29.  This lesson is divided into three parts:  The Devious Deception, The Divine Desire, and The Davidic Drink.   Learn of a centuries' long debate about the motive of those who said the Lord was crying out to Elijah when He said, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" ("My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?").  It is an interesting debate; likely the misunderstanding intentionally originated with Israel's religious rulers as a devious deception to maliciously mock Jesus.

There is a lengthy discussion in this lesson about the Lord's fifth saying from the cross, "I thirst".  Find out why those words give evidence of His Humanity, but how the reason He spoke them gives evidence of His Deity!  

Who was the last person to demonstrate a degree of compassion to the Lord Jesus?  Find out!  What are some of the obvious similarities between the Passover events concerning Christ's crucifixion and the original Passover of Moses' day?  Again, find out (hint: darkness, hyssop, sacrificial Lamb).

This lesson in written form (with Homework Questions) is found in our "Caldwell Commentary" - "Life of Christ Vol. 8 (available through www.scripturetruth.com).  See also Amazon.com for other Caldwell Commentaries

The Resurrection Reality - Part II {More Events, Evidences, and Excitement Regarding Resurrection Sunday} RECENT STUDY

Why did the Apostles not believe the report of the resurrection of Jesus they received from the two groups of women who had been to the empty tomb and talked with angels? One of those two groups even met Jesus Himself in His glorified body - yet, the men did not believe them.  They thought they were full of "silly talk"! Nor did the men believe the report that came later Sunday afternoon from the two disciples who met the resurrected Christ on the Road to Emmaus!  In fact, they did not even believe Jesus had resurrected bodily when He first appeared before them in the Upper Room! 

We discuss why the dramatic change in the Apostles from adamant disbelief and despair to absolute conviction to the point of martyrdom is a very strong proof of His resurrection!  How many post-resurrection appearances did Christ make (that are at least recorded in Scripture)? To whom did He make them?  

Also included is our discussion on the divinely inspired account of one of the most emotionally charged scenes in Scripture - where Mary Magdalene finally . . . on her third trip to the tomb . . . comes to believe in the resurrection of Christ.  A beautiful poem (by Katherine Caldwell) about Mary's experience is shared at the end of this lesson and it may bring you to tears.

The Resurrection Reality - Part I {Events, Evidences, Excitement of Resurrection Sunday!} RECENT STUDY

In-depth commentary/study books to ACCOMPANY EVERY STUDY on our podcast are available through Amazon.com and scripturetruth.com (Search under Katherine Caldwell Commentaries)

This passionate one-hour study is on the many and often confusing events and circumstances concerning the Sunday when Jesus Christ rose bodily from His tomb three days and three nights after His death - just as He had predicted and promised on at least seven Biblically recorded occasions! 

You will hear nuggets of truth you very likely never thought of before - comparisons with things concerning Christ's birth and His death; with Josephs and Marys and the Magi and the rich gifts lavished on Jesus at the time of His death. What would be the value in today's economy of the aloes and myrrh lavished on Jesus for His burial? Who was Joseph of Arimathea? How did he unknowingly fulfill prophecy? What was the "Valley of Corpses"?

In this lesson, we discuss many proofs of Christ's resurrection that were providentially provided by God and, ironically, by the Lord's greatest enemies! What does the Scripture actually tell us about those mysterious grave clothes and rolled-up head napkin  in the tomb?!

How many Roman soldiers would have stood guard at the tomb? How was the tomb sealed? What was the punishment for falling asleep on duty for a Roman soldier? What would be the value in today's economy of the aloes and myrrh lavished on Jesus for His burial? 

What is illogical about the "Theft Theory" or the "Wrong Tomb Theory" or the "Swoon Theory" or the "Telepathy Theory"? These are all ideas invented by Bible skeptics in their futile efforts to discredit the Lord's literal, bodily resurrection, but none of them work at all - find out why!  Much more . . . so "tune in"!!

Life of Christ Lesson 179: The Sixth Hour Darkness {It is Finished VIII}

This lesson begins our discussion of the Lord's second three hours on the cross (from noon to 3:00 p.m., or was called the sixth to ninth hours).  This time frame began with an eerie, mysterious darkness over the land, and an intense darkness over the Lord Himself as He was separated, for the first and only time ever, from fellowship with the Father.

What were God's reasons for the darkness that shrouded the suffering of His Son from human eyes for three hours?  

If Jesus is Deity (and He is), then why would He ask why God had forsaken Him (His fourth saying from the cross)?  Did He not know?  Yes, He knew!  In fact, His knowledge of that mandatory separation, when He literally became the curse of sin for us, was the whole reason for His agony in Gethsemane!  Also, the preincarnate Christ answered His own question in the prophetic preview of His cross-work recorded in Psalm 22.  Actually, by asking the question, He fulfilled yet one more Messianic prophecy! 

One further point of interest:  Jesus asked the question so the world would know He paid the FULL wages of death for our sin, which includes not only physical death, but also spiritual death (separation from God)! 

Deep, theological lesson made easy to understand and to deepen faith and appreciation for "What Jesus Did for YOU" . . . and for me.  Critical lesson for every believer; convicting lesson to use evangelistically with every non-believer.

This lesson in written form (with Homework Questions) is in our "Caldwell Commentary" series, "The Life of Christ Vol. 8 (available through www.scripturetruth.com).

Life of Christ Lesson 178: Love: A Personal Concern {The Crucifixion} {It is Finished VII}

"Love: A Personal Concern" - John 19:25-27.  John's gospel record of the crucifixion of Christ immediately ushers his readers from the Lord's foes to His friends!  He is the only one of the four gospel authors to record Christ's third (of seven) saying from the cross, which was about His mother's care.  To the end, the Lord Jesus obeyed the Law, for He honored His widowed mother by providing (as her eldest Son) for her future care.  He not only obeyed the letter of the Law, He displayed the spirit of the Law, for He exhibited genuine love toward the woman who gave Him physical birth and an eternal home in her heart.

Ivor Powell (great Bible commentator) said if he were a woman, one of his favorite passages of Scripture would be John 19:25, 26.  Why?  Because, at the most critical time in Christ's life (as He hung on the cross to pay for the sins of the world), all but one Apostle had forsaken Him.  Only young John was present at the cross  However, there were four faithful women who had both the courage and love to stand with Jesus in the midst of widespread, open hostility and mockery.  Find out who they were, as well as interesting information about each of them.

Was Mary, the mother of Jesus, still at the cross when He died?  A lot of religious paintings would lead us to think so!  Listen and hear what the Bible actually tells us!  

This study is found in written form (with Homework Questions) in our "Caldwell Commentary" series, "Life of Christ Vol. 8 (available through www.scripturetruth.com)

Find Katherine Caldwell Commentaries on Amazon.com

Life of Christ Lesson 177: Faith: A Penitent Thief {The Crucifixion} (It is Finished VI)

The sub-title for this concluding lesson on our mini-series, "It is Finished" (What Jesus Did for You) is, "Faith: A Penitent Criminal".  The conversion of one of the two thieves dying with the Lord is a wonderful demonstration of His triumphant victory over the wicked forces of Satan's principalities and powers even when He was seemingly at His weakest (He was really at His strongest).  This is the true account of a sinner who experienced the transforming power of God's grace.  There are some very significant doctrinal teachings that come to light in the Lord's promise to the penitent thief.  What appears to be five short and simple verses (Luke 23:39-43) about a man's dying salvation are actually complex and packed full of deep, spiritual, and eternal truths regarding the Christian faith.

Did you know the thief's salvation was fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy?  It was!  Be surprised to learn where that prophecy was given.

 

Life of Christ Lesson 176: Hate: A Provoking Crowd {The Crucifixion} {It is Finished V}

The title of this fifth lesson of our "It is Finished" series concerning Christ's cross-work is "Hate: A Provoking Crowd".  As Satan was in the very process of bruising the Saviour's heel (Genesis 3:15), he was also seeing to it that representatives of each First Century "people group" voiced hatred and scorn at his age-old enemy, God's Son (the One Who cast him like lightning from Heaven).  The events of this lesson occurred during the Lord's first three hours on the cross, before it became eerily dark.  The outline for this study is four-fold:  (1) The Scoffer Passing By the Saviour, (2) The Sanhedrin Calling Down the Saviour, (3) The Soldiers Mocking Under the Saviour, and (4) The Sinners Hanging Next to the Saviour.

Please understand this truth: Many people erroneously think the crucifixion manifested the Lord's weakness.  The total opposite is true!  Christ crucified is the power of God (II Corinthians 13:4)!

This lesson in written form (with Homework Questions) is found in "The Caldwell Commentaries" - Life of Christ Vol. 8 (available through www.scripturetruth.com).

Life of Christ Lesson 175b: The Crucifixion - Part I {It is Finished IV}

This is the continuation of Lesson 175a on the Lord's crucifixion.  Repeatedly, throughout His earthly ministry, Christ's enemies sought to destroy Him, but they could not.  HIS predetermined "hour" had not come.  But finally it did, and their desires were granted by the will of God Himself.  The Lord Jesus, Prince of Life, willingly yielded Himself into their hands.  At any minute - even hanging nailed to a cross - He could have used His power to escape, but He did not.  He was fully surrendered to carry through to completion His divinely ordained mission to redeem mankind.  Regardless what it meant for Him personally by way of spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental anguish, He would drink the full, bitter cup of His Father's wrath and holy judgment against sin - for you and for me. 

As in the first part of this two-part look at Christ's horrific crucifixion, we will see how Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled.  Learn, too, who wrote the first Gospel tract and what it said.  Also, did you know the Holy Spirit did NOT inspire any of the four gospel writers to record details about the Lord's actual crucifixion!  Why do you think that is?  

Life of Christ Lesson 175a: The Crucifixion - Part I {It is Finished III}

In-depth commentary/study books to ACCOMPANY EVERY STUDY on our podcast are available through Amazon.com and scripturetruth.com Search under Katherine Caldwell Commentaries)

In this lesson, we engage in the unpleasant task of describing the suffering of the cruelest, most disgraceful death instrument depraved mankind ever invented.  We discuss a four-point outline in this two-part study of "The Crucifixion":  the Pain of Crucifixion, the Prayer of Christ ("Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"), the Parting of Clothing (a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18), and the Placard of the Cross.  

Similar to the lack of any details recorded in the four gospels about the Lord's scourging by the Romans, we also find that none of the four divinely inspired authors wrote anything more about His crucifixion than simply to say, "they crucified Him" along with "two robbers".  From the human perspective, we can assume Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John saw little reason to describe the horrors of crucifixion to their contemporary readers, for everyone in that day knew more about crucifixion than they wanted to know.

 

Passion Week Chronology {Crucifixion Day? Was it Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?}

https://podnews.net/podcast/1500410875/episode-links 

In this lesson, we discuss the Lord's final week of His public ministry on earth.  It is commonly referred to as His "Passion Week," and it began on Palm Sunday.  We briefly talk about the events of each day of that most significant week, but the primary emphasis of this study is on the day of His crucifixion.  There are three main views on this debate.  They are the (1) Wednesday view, (2) the Thursday view, and (3) the Friday view (of which there are two).  We discuss each view and its pros and cons. 

The conclusion reached is that the Bible best supports a Thursday crucifixion.  Although the most important fact is that Jesus did, indeed, die for the sins of the world, it is still good for believers in Him and His Word to know why they believe what they believe.  Should we simply believe something because it has always been "the traditional" way of things, or should we search the Scriptures to find what best supports our view?  

 

Passover Seder {The Gospel in Living Illustration!}

The original Passover was the Gospel in living illustration!  God's primary purpose of the Passover in Egypt was to prophesy of the True Lamb of God" to be slain on Passover day.  It is the oldest, continuously observed holiday in human history, having been celebrated for some 3,500 years by Jewish people the world over in obedience to God's command of Exodus 12:14.

The Passover celebration has a distinct "order" to it; the Hebrew word for "order' is "seder".  In this lesson, we proceed through "The Passover Seder" and explain the historical reasons for the various items on the Seder Plate (i.e. matzo, bitter herbs, a roasted shank bone of a lamb, charoseth paste, an egg), what each of four cups of wine symbolize, why there are pillows on the chairs around the table, and an empty chair and place setting, etc.

But the Passover is so much more than a memorial celebration of Israel's physical deliverance from bondage in Egypt.  It is an absolutely INCREDIBLE typological prophecy of Christ and the spiritual deliverance from mankind's bondage to sin.  If you have never experienced a Seder from the Messianic perspective, you are in for "an eye-opener"!  The unity plate with its three wafers of unleavened bread - the middle one of which is BROKEN and WRAPPED IN A WHITE LINEN NAPKIN, HIDDEN from view, and then FOUND amidst great rejoicing and reward for the finder - amazingly pictures Christ's death, burial, and resurrection! 

In fact, the Jews call that broken, wrapped, hidden, and then rejoicefully-found piece of unleavened matzo, the "Afikomen" (a mysterious Greek word in an otherwise Hebrew Seder).  Non-Messianic Jews use this term, but do not realize its significance!  Find out what the word "Afikomen" means in this study!  Share this message with Jewish friends and pray they realize their Messiah has already come!!

Daniel Lesson 38: Hope for Tomorrow

Daniel chapter 12 is both the crowning and the concluding chapter of the book.  After a three-chapter long "vision" (series of revelations) that presented a lot of "gloom and doom" to the old prophet about his beloved Israel and a long line of egotistical, fighting Gentile kings, the last part of his fourth and final God-sent revelation told him (and Israel) there is light at the end of the tunnel!  There is "Hope for Tomorrow"!  There is the sure hope of resurrection and everlasting life in God's holy presence for those whose faith is in Him and His Saviour, Jesus Christ!

In this prologue to Daniel's final vision, we discuss the Tribulation of the last days, the resurrection and glorification of the saints.  We also discuss the various bodily resurrections of Scripture and when they took place or will yet take place.  Also discussed is the command to seal-up the Book of Daniel until the end times, and God's promise to preserve it.  The pre-incarnate Christ again appeared to Daniel and gave him some additional time frames regarding the last days (30 plus 45 days between Christ's Second Coming and the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom).  Find out what those extra days are "all about"!

Daniel Lesson 37: Antiochus to Antichrist

Daniel 11:32-45  Learn about the vile Syrian king named Antiochus Epiphanes, who committed an abomination of desolation in Israel, on her Temple and God's Holy of Holies in the Second Century B.C., and how that event led to the rise of the Maccabees and the Maccabean Revolt (and, subsequently, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah).

The reason Scripture presents so much about Antiochus Epiphanes is because he served as a prophetic type of the future Antichrist.  Because so much of the Book of Daniel either foreshadows or reveals the Antichrist of the last days, it has often been called "The Revelation of the Antichrist".

Verses 36 to 39 contain prophecies about the final "fighting king," who is the most vicious king of any in history.  In this lesson, we discuss his character, his conquests, and his conclusion (meaning his "end" - how he will die).  Will the Antichrist be Jewish?  Gentile?  Islamic?  Roman?  Homosexual?  Listen and hear what Scripture says.

Daniel Lesson 36: Historical Warfare {Parade of Fighting Kings!}

The Babylonian Captivity of Israel in the days of the Prophet Daniel was only the beginning of Israel's chastening process.  As a nation, even after 70 years in captivity, she had not genuinely repented of her continual disobedience of God.  It would be a long time before her ultimate "Time of Restoration" in the Millennial Kingdom would occur.  In Daniel chapter 11, Daniel receives a very long and detailed prophecy about a "parade of fighting kings" (Persian kings, Greek kings, Seleucid and ptolemaic kings, and a horribly vile king name Antiochus Epiphanes, who is a type of the final Antichrist).

Daniel chapter 11 is one of the most extensive prophetic sections of the Bible.  In just the first 35 verses of the chapter, there are over 135 prophecies given!  Every single one of them we now know came to pass precisely as predicted!  Fulfilled prophecy is one of the greatest proofs of the divine inspiration of Scripture, which is why Daniel chapter 11 is at the heart of the attacks against the entire book.  

Daniel Lesson 35: Spiritual Warfare {Learn more about the battles between fallen and holy angels}

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This important lesson, from Daniel 10:1 to 11:1 presents the prelude to Daniel's final vision, which sweeps over the time in history from Daniel's day to the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation.  

Daniel received a special visit from the pre-incarnate Christ, which tells us that the prophetic vision Daniel would receive is of great importance.  The appearance of the Lord caused Daniel to be so stunned, he had no strength in him and collapsed in a faint.  The hand that reached down to lift him up belonged to an angel (possibly Gabriel), who then proceeded to tell Daniel about the 21 days of spiritual warfare he had in the heavenlies with "the prince of the kingdom of Persia" until "Michael, one of the chief princes" came to help him (10:10-13).

This is a very interesting lesson on the warfare that takes place in the atmospheric heavens, where Satan is "the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2), between the fallen angels and the holy angels.  Learn about the hierarchy that exists among the angelic host (i.e. principalities, powers, thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities) and why Ephesians 6:12 is definitely true, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places".

Daniel Lesson 34: The Great 70 Week‘s Prophecy - Part II INCREDIBLE!

The saddest tragedy to ever occur for Israel was when she missed the prophetically foretold day of her long awaited Messiah's arrival.  It was not the day of His birth in Bethlehem.  It was not the day of His baptism in the Jordan.  It was not even the day He officially began His public ministry by suddenly appearing in Jerusalem, going straight to the Temple, and single-handedly cleansing it (another clear fulfillment of Messianic prophecy).  None of those events were specifically predicted to the very day of their occurrence by God through one of His prophets.  No, the super-tragic day for Israel was when she failed to "do the math" with Daniel's "Great 70 Weeks' Prophecy" and, therefore, missed the proof of His Identity as "Messiah the Prince" which He presented to her on Palm Sunday.  Because of her failure to receive Him as her spiritual King on Palm Sunday, she ended up crucifying Him on Passover Thursday (see our podcast on why Christ died on Passion week Thursday).

Not only does this great prophecy predict Messiah's arrival, but also His death, and Jerusalem's coming destruction following His death (which did, indeed, occur in A.D. 70).  Furthermore, we discuss the one remaining "week" of seven years for God's overall redemptive program for Israel.  That last "week" is the seven-year Tribulation Period (Revelation 6 to 19)!  Daniel's prophecy, given in the Fifth Century B.C., also predicted the horrific covenant agreement Israel will make with the Antichrist, the abomination of desolation he will commit in the Tribulation Temple, and, also, the destruction of the Antichrist (yeah!). 

This is the most important Old Testament prophecy for you to know - not only to strengthen your confidence concerning Christ's identity as we look back in history, but to strengthen your confidence concerning His plan for the future, which He will fulfill as assuredly and as literally as He assuredly and literally fulfilled all the prophecies relative to His First Coming.  Amen.

Daniel Lesson 33: The Great 70 Weeks‘ Prophecy - Part I INCREDIBLE PROPHECY!!!

Did you know Jewish rabbis do not want their people reading "The Great 70 Weeks' Prophecy" of Daniel 9:24-27?  Listen to the words of an ancient rabbinic curse (Talmudic Law p. 987, Section 2, Line 28; also Talmud Sanhedrin 97b, Soncino ed, p. 659), "May the bones of the hands and the bones of the fingers decay and decompose, of him who turns the pages of the book of Daniel, to find out the time of Daniel 9:24-27, and may his memory rot from off the face of the earth forever".  Pretty harsh words of warning NOT to study this passage of Scripture!  Why?  Because "The Great 70 Weeks' Prophecy" is the GREATEST PROPHETIC PROOF that JESUS IS THE PROMISED MESSIAH of Israel . . . and Saviour of mankind.

In this lesson, we set the stage for this amazing prophecy.  Hang in there and listen attentively (and then procede to listen to Lesson #34).  This prophecy is so very crucial to a proper comprehension of eschatology (a study of end times).  A person should always "have a handle" on this prophecy before studying the Book of Revelation! A proper understanding of this all-important prophecy refutes the prevalent teaching of Replacement Theology (that God has replaced Israel with the Church; also called "Supersessionism")!  A proper understanding of this fantastic prophecy gives STRONG evidence for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church!  Furthermore, as stated above, this marvelous prophecy, given to one of the godliest prophets who ever lived (Daniel), provides irrefutable evidence as to the identity of the True Messiah, and He is the One Who presented Himself to Israel on Palm Sunday, which was the very day predicted in this INCREDIBLE PROPHECY (see also our 3 lessons on "The King's Triumphant Entry" on this podcast).

This study is from our "Caldwell Commentary" series.  "Daniel; An Extra-ordinary Servant of God in Extra-Ordinary Times, Extra-ordinary Prophecies" (available at www.scripturetruth.com).

Daniel Lesson 32: A Super-Powerful Prayer - Part II

Prayer is the believer's amazing privilege to get involved in God's program for man and history.  In Daniel's powerful prayer of chapter 9, he teaches by his example great truths about effectual, fervent prayer.  Learn how Daniel's entire prayer - his confessions, his praises, and his petitions - were all in complete harmony with Who God is.  He did not express any opinions or bring up any issues or needs that contradicted God's Person or purposes.

God's messenger angel, Gabriel, told Daniel he was "greatly beloved".  It is well worth the time to study the man Daniel - his person, passion, purposed-heart, and prayer life - for who among us would not love to hear the Lord call us His "greatly beloved"?

Daniel Lesson 31: A Super-Powerful Prayer - Part I

One of the greatest men of prayer in Biblical history was Daniel.  We can learn much about fervent, effectual prayer - as well as being a righteous "man" - from him.  He prayed faithfully three times daily, even when doing so meant a lions' den!  Daniel studied Scripture (e.g. the scrolls of Jeremiah) to align his prayers with the Lord's revealed will.  An interesting fact about the super-powerful prayer of Daniel (9:1-19) is 72% of it was confessional. In contrast, we spend about 72% of our prayers in making requests! 

Daniel knew he and his people had no one to blame but themselves for their shameful state as captives in Babylon.  He repeatedly acknowledged Israel at fault for turning from God and ignoring His many warnings of impending judgment if she didn't repent and turn from her wicked ways.  Her sins were worse because she knew better!  

Learn why Daniel's prayer received immediate results, though God's messenger was delayed by a spiritual battle in the heavenlies!  The amazing answer to Daniel's prayer was the most extensive prophetic prophecy in the Old Testament - one you must study: "The Great Seventy Weeks' Prophecy" (see this podcast for Daniel lessons 33 and 34 on that amazing prophecy).

 

Daniel Lesson 30: Signposts to Antichrist

This lesson on Daniel 8:15-27.  

IMPORTANT LESSON on the last fierce king of the last Gentile Kingdom, the Antichrist.

Daniel Lesson 29: Little Horn and Hanukkah

Learn what Hanukkah is all about - very fascinating!  

Who is the "Little Horn"?  Find out.

This lesson is on Daniel 8:11-14.  

Daniel Lesson 28: The Ram and Goat Vision

This lesson is on Daniel 8:1-10.  With chapter 8, we begin to look at the third section of Daniel which we have entitled, "Daniel Prophetic History of Israel".  The prophetic vision of Daniel 8 begins with the conflict of the two world powers that would sequentially follow Babylon (Medo-Persia and Greece), but the focus then narrows down to the specific persecution to occur in a small place on the map called Judah.  In Daniel 7, we learn about the coming "little horn" of the last days - the Antichrist, who will arise from a revived form of Ancient Rome.  In Daniel 8, we learn much about another "little horn" who came out of the Greek Empire to serve as a prophetic type of evil character and actions of the end-times' Antichrist.